Transport in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa that has many ways for people to travel, including roads, railways, airports, and water routes. The country has a network of highways and several airports to help people move around.

In the past, Sierra Leone was similar to Great Britain because people drove on the left side of the road. But in March 1971, the country changed its rules, and people began driving on the right side of the road. There is a law that says you cannot bring in or register cars that have the steering wheel on the right side, but in 2012, the government had trouble making sure everyone followed this rule.

Railways

Main article: Rail transport in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has about 192 kilometres (119 miles) of railway lines. These railways are narrow and measure 1,067 mm in width.

The country used to have more railways, but they closed in 1974. Today, the railways are used mainly for moving iron ore from mines to ports. Sierra Leone does not connect its railways to nearby countries like Guinea or Liberia.

Walking

Because many people in Sierra Leone have little money, and because fuel for cars and buses is expensive, walking is a common way to get around. Many people live in small villages where there aren't many roads or vehicles, so they walk to go to school, visit friends, or travel to nearby towns.

Highways

Sierra Leone has about 11,700 kilometres of highways, though only 936 kilometres are paved. Once work on roads and bridges finishes, the Trans–West African Coastal Highway will go through Sierra Leone. This highway will connect the country to Conakry in Guinea, Monrovia in Liberia, and eleven other nations in the Economic Community of West African States.

Water

Sierra Leone has 800 kilometers (about 497 miles) of waterways for travel, and 600 kilometers (about 373 miles) of these can be used all year long.

The country has important ports in Bonthe, Freetown, and Pepel. The Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown is the main deep water port where big ships can stop. Sierra Leone also has two large cargo ships bigger than 1,000 GT.

Airports

Sierra Leone has ten airports in Sierra Leone. One of these airports has a paved runway that is longer than 3,047 meters (9,997 feet). The other nine airports have unpaved runways. Seven of these have runways between 914 and 1,523 meters (2,999 and 4,997 feet) long, and two have even shorter runways. The country also has two heliports.